Parker Waichman LLP

Segway Accident Takes the Life of Company Owner

The owner of the company that makes Segway scooters has died – the victim of a Segway accident. The 62-year-old Jimi Heselden was testing a new model of a cross-country Segway when he died. The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle driven by electric motors that can reach up to 12.5 miles per hour. […]

The owner of the company that makes <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Segway-Injuries-Lawyer-Lawsuit">Segway scooters has died – the victim of a Segway accident. The 62-year-old Jimi Heselden was testing a new model of a cross-country Segway when he died.

The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle driven by electric motors that can reach up to 12.5 miles per hour. Computers and motors in the base of the device keep the Segway upright when powered on with balancing enabled. Users lean forward to go forward, lean back to go backward, and turn by using a “Lean Steer” handlebar, leaning it left or right. Gyroscopic sensors are used to detect tilting of the device which indicates a departure from perfect balance. Motors driving the wheels are commanded as needed to bring the Segway back into balance.

The Segway was introduced in 2001. Heselden bought control of the Bedford, New Hampshire-based Segway company in December, the Associated Press said.

According to the Associated Press, a witness had reported seeing a man fall Sunday over a 30-foot drop into the river near the village of Boston Spa, 140 miles north of London. Heselden’s body and a Segway personal transporter were found in the River Wharfe and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Heselden’s tragic death came just days after a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine reported that Segway injuries are significant and on the rise. According to the report, a quarter of the patients who came to a Washington D.C. emergency room with Segway injuries were admitted to the hospital. Forty percent of the admitted patients were admitted to the ICU because they had traumatic brain injuries. Only seven percent of the patients had worn helmets.

According to the Annals of Emergency Medicine report, the number of cases increased significantly over time, with three cases appearing in 2006, eight cases appearing in 2007 and 25 cases appearing in the first 11 months of 2008. All of the injuries were the result of people falling off the Segway, and usually hitting an inanimate object.

Segways have also been the subject of two recalls. In 2006, 23,500 Segways were recalled because of a software glitch that could make its wheels unexpectedly reverse direction, throwing off the rider. At the time, there had been six reports of Segway accidents resulting in head and wrist injuries. These injuries included broken teeth, a broken wrist and facial injuries including one that needed surgical repair.

In 2003, the first 6,000 Segway scooters sold were recalled because of a problem that could cause riders to fall off the device when the battery was depleted. The problem could occur if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert. At the time of this recall, there had been three reports of falls possibly related to this condition, including one report of a consumer who sustained a head injury requiring stitches.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following staff at your firm who worked diligently to ensure a positive result in my case...Linda Lockman, Denny Tang, Brett Zekwoski, Joanne Porcelliand and Jillian. Awesome people !! They were very professional, understanding and very patient. My phone calls were answered and/or returned in a timely manner. All my questions were answered without any doubt; they all had a very clear understanding of my case. It was a pleasure to know all of you. I highly recommend your firm.
Lystra Lessey
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you parker waichman for settling my case big thanks to bret anick who put all efforts andhard work to get to this point Thanks again guys
Timothy Torres
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
An amazing Law firm that can explain the most obfuscated and complex issues with ease. The level of expertise and compassion is unparalleled to any I've experienced. From the initial consultation I was able to discern the meticulous attention to detail and the exceptional customer first philosophy. They kept me informed every step of the way, I was so happy that I chose the best law firm for my case. If you need an attorney that has your best interest at heart and more importantly deliver the compensation you deserve hire Parker Waichman LLP.
Angel Maldonado
6 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038